AASU slams Centre over fuel, LPG price hike; demands immediate rollback
The student body alleged that the Centre’s move reflects an anti-people approach and warned that such decisions would further strain household budgets.
A file image of AASU leaders during the press brief in Guwahati. (AT Photo)
GUWAHATI, April 3: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Centre over the recent hike in prices of premium petrol, commercial LPG, essential medicines and toll charges, terming the move a ‘direct blow’ to the common people, and demanded an immediate rollback.
AASU said the decision to raise the prices of multiple essential and daily-use items at a time when inflationary pressure is already mounting, has imposed an additional burden on the public. The student body alleged that the Centre’s move reflects an anti-people approach and warned that such decisions would further strain household budgets.
AASU president Utpal Sarma and general secretary Samiran Phukan said the price hike comes at a time when many families are struggling to afford even a single LPG cylinder. “Instead of providing relief, the government has increased the prices of premium petrol, commercial gas, medicines and toll taxes, which has dealt a severe blow to the people,” they said.
They further pointed out that the increase in the prices of several essential medicines would have a direct impact on healthcare affordability, particularly for economically weaker sections. The hike in toll charges, they added, would also indirectly push up transportation costs, leading to a cascading effect on the prices of goods.
Calling the move ‘adding insult to injury’, the AASU leaders reiterated their demand that the Central government immediately withdraw all such anti-people decisions related to price hikes.
By
Staff Reporter